Sam Drury and Keiron Parrish are the new licensees of the Shepherd Neame pub the New Inn at Murston near Sittingbourne

Dreams of running a pub together have become a reality for one couple.

Sam Drury and Keiron Parrish were working in other industries before they decided to become the new licensees of the New Inn in Murston.

The 43-year-old mum-of-three said: “I was working as an estate agent and Keiron was working as a machine technician, and we both wanted to do something together which we felt passionate about.

Sam Drury and Keiron Parrish are the new licensees at the New Inn, Murston

“I have worked in pubs off and on since leaving school, and Keiron grew up in the pub trade, as his dad ran pubs all over Kent and Surrey. He also managed a country pub in the Elham Valley near Canterbury for several years, so has lots of experience.”

They looked at a variety of pubs around the county, before choosing the watering-hole.

Mr Parrish, 38, said: “Neither of us had visited Murston before, or remotely knew the area, but the first time we walked into the pub, we loved it. It had a really family friendly, community feel, and a great garden.

The couple will be introducing food and entertainment once the refurbishment is completed

“When we heard that Shepherd Neame would be refurbishing the pub’s interior and exterior, the decision was made.”

The venue doesn’t currently serve food, but a selection of sandwiches, paninis and light basket meals will be offered once the work is completed.

The pair also plan to introduce live music nights and discos, as a new PA system is being installed as part of the refit.